The number of businesses and government agencies adopting the "Casual Friday" system, where employees can dress casually for work on Fridays, is increasing. Behind the rush to shed ties and jackets is corporate Japan's hope that permitting employees to dress freely once a week will encourage them to show original thinking and individuality in their work. Apparel manufacturers and other clothing-related industries standing to benefit from the increased sale of casual clothing are also encouraging the new system. While some middle-aged or senior employees may be at a loss concerning what to wear, "Casual Friday" has been a success with the majority of employees who enjoy dressing comfortably. Among the firms adopting the "Casual Friday" system, companies in the trading, distribution, and apparel industries are the most common. In Gifu Prefecture, where the clothing industry has flourished, the "Casual Friday" system will be implemented in all government offices from August. Among businesses that have instituted the system, compliance has not been made mandatory and no particular dress standards have been enforced. Although managers have been urged to take the lead in setting the mood, many of them have struggled to come up with appropriate attire. Some have had recourse to golfwear, others have bought complete outfits straight off department store mannequins, and still others have copied the clothing of their offspring.
Employees of companies experienced in "Casual Friday" have lauded its positive effects. One benefit has been that middle-age and senior managers watch and learn from their junior colleagues, among whom the system has been eagerly adopted. An additional benefit, possibly resulting from the relaxed mood fostered by the freedom of picking ones own wear for work, has been the increase in the number of employees who have previously been silent during meetings and are now chiming in with contributions.
Casual days originated with the innovative computer companies of California's Silicon Valley, where employees regularly show up for work in informal garb. The practice of dress-down days began spreading like wildfire in the United States four or five years ago and finally made its way across Pacific last year. One commentator attributes this boom to changing economic realities: "We have entered an age in which white collar workers will be expected to achieve increases in productivity based on creativity and initiative--productivity increases in the veritable sense." He predicts that the movement will pick up momentum in the years to come.
The trend presents a tremendous opportunity to increase sales for companies in apparel-related businesses. If casual Fridays become the norm, a new line of fashion will likely emerge-- something between the business suit and weekend attire-- invigorating the market for men's apparel. Manufacturers and department stores are thus scrambling to put together promotional campaigns to encourage Japanese business to dress down.
(The above article, edited by Japan Echo Inc., is based on domestic Japanese news sources. It is offered for reference purposes and does not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Japanese Government.)